Section 7: Indicator 3 (Questions 58-61)
Questions in this section will contribute towards Indicator 3 (number of species and
populations in which genetic diversity is being monitored using DNA based methods within the country). This indicator is calculated as a count of studies that use DNA data sampled within the country to help managers assess genetic status and choose appropriate actions, such as studies of genetic connectivity, hybridization, adaptation, and mating patterns. Note that these studies can sometimes use data from different countries (e.g. genetic monitoring of populations of transboundary species), so please ensure that at least some of the samples used are for the species within the country of assessment. Phylogenetic studies would refer to studies with many species and typically only a few samples for the focal species. This of course can provide useful information for conservation (e.g., clarifying species boundaries). However, as above, please ensure that some of the samples reported in the phylogenetic study are from the species within the country being assessed. Most other studies would fall under ‘population level’ studies. It can be included even if only one population is studied.
Temporal studies refer specifically to sampling and analysis that occurred at two time points, typically separated by one or more generations or cohorts (e.g. reflecting genetic change over time).